Paid Time Off

Argentina PTO Compliance: A Guide for Employers

Paid Time Off (PTO) in Argentina is regulated by the Ley de Contrato de Trabajo (LCT). This law establishes mandatory vacation, sick leave, and holiday entitlements based on seniority and employment type. To ensure legal compliance and support employee well-being, employers must understand how PTO works in Argentina.

Argentina pto compliance

Understanding PTO Requirements in Argentina

Get to know the core legal leave obligations in Argentina.

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Statutory Vacation Days

In Argentina, paid vacation is based on seniority. Employees get 14 to 35 calendar days per year, increasing with years of service. Vacation should generally be taken in one block, ideally between October and April, unless otherwise agreed.

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Sick Leave Regulations

Employers must provide up to 3 or 6 months of paid sick leave, depending on years of service. If the employee has dependents, these periods double. After this, the contract may be suspended, and ANSES may provide disability benefits.

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Public Holidays

Argentina recognizes 15 national public holidays, including Carnival, Malvinas Day, and Independence Day. Employees are entitled to these days off with full pay. If required to work, they must be paid double their regular wage.

PTO Carryover Rules

Employers must grant vacation within the employee’s eligibility year. If they fail to do so, the leave does not expire, and the employer may be penalized. However, employees cannot defer or waive vacation time in exchange for extra pay, except in the case of termination.

Argentina Paid Time Off Overview

Key Considerations For Employees And Employers

Argentina’s labor laws protect employee time off and expect employers to manage it diligently.

Employers

  • Grant vacation days based on length of service
  • Pay full salary during legal sick leave periods
  • Observe all mandatory public holidays
  • Avoid deferring or substituting PTO with pay
  • Track leave usage and balances accurately

Employees

  • Earn vacation days according to seniority
  • Must take vacation within the legal timeframe
  • Receive full pay for sick leave within limits
  • Get double pay for working on holidays
  • Are entitled to uninterrupted rest

Argentina PTO is regulated by the Ley de Contrato de Trabajo. The information above is intended for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific cases, please consult a qualified labor law professional.

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Best Practices for Managing PTO in Argentina

Here’s how to ensure smooth leave management and full compliance.

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    Why Compliance Matters

    Complying with Argentina’s PTO laws isn’t just about avoiding legal risks—it’s about fostering a fair and transparent work culture.

    1

    Keep a Clean Record

    Non-compliance with the Ley de Contrato de Trabajo can result in inspections, fines, and damage to employer credibility. By tracking vacation days, holiday pay, and sick leave correctly, you minimize legal risks and stay audit-ready.

    2

    Employee Satisfaction

    Fair and clearly communicated leave policies make employees feel respected. When time off increases with seniority and is handled consistently, satisfaction rises, turnover drops, and long-term retention improves.

    3

    Positive Workspace

    Transparent PTO practices help create a workplace built on trust. Employees who can take time off without complications are more engaged, healthier, and better aligned with your company’s values. A reliable system for managing leave reflects a culture of respect and compliance.

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    How TrackingTime Can Help

    Learn more about how we can help you optimize your PTO policies and ensure compliance with Argentinian labor laws.

    Effortless Organization

    Say goodbye to messy email chains and manual tracking. With a streamlined PTO management system, you can keep all requests and records in one place, making it easy to approve time off and manage employee schedules efficiently.

    • Quick Approvals – Manage PTO requests fast.
    • Clear Records – Access all time-off data easily.
    • Team Sync – Keep schedules aligned effortlessly.

    Custom Time-Off Policies

    Every company has unique needs, and your PTO policies should reflect that. Customize your time-off rules to match your team’s structure, ensuring fairness and clarity while maintaining flexibility.

    • Flexible Rules – Tailor policies to your team’s needs.
    • Clear Guidelines – Keep everyone informed.
    • Smooth Management – Set rules that work for all.

    Real-Time Transparency

    Give your employees the confidence to plan their time off without uncertainty. By providing real-time access to balances and request statuses, you create a more transparent and trusting workplace.

    • Instant Access – Check balances anytime.
    • Live Updates – Track requests in real time.
    • Boost Trust – Keep everyone informed.

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    FAQ

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Get answers to all your questions about our service and plans.

    How many paid vacation days are employees entitled to in Argentina?

    Vacation entitlements in Argentina start at 14 calendar days per year after 6 months of employment and increase with seniority, reaching up to 35 days after 20 years of service.

    What law regulates paid leave in Argentina?

    Argentina’s paid leave is regulated by the Labor Contract Law (Ley de Contrato de Trabajo, Law No. 20.744), which outlines minimum standards for vacation rights and accrual.

    Do vacation days include weekends in Argentina?

    Yes. Vacation leave in Argentina is calculated in calendar days, which includes weekends and public holidays unless otherwise specified by collective agreements.

    Can employees in Argentina lose unused vacation days?

    Yes. If vacation days are not used within six months after the end of the calendar year in which they were accrued, they may expire unless deferred for valid reasons.

    Are public holidays deducted from vacation in Argentina?

    No. Public holidays are counted within the calendar days of vacation but do not reduce the total entitlement. Employees still receive full vacation days as defined by law.

    Do part-time or temporary workers in Argentina receive vacation?

    Yes. All employees covered by an employment contract are entitled to paid vacation, including part-time and temporary workers, with leave proportional to their working schedule.

    When can employees start using vacation days in Argentina?

    Employees must complete at least 6 months of continuous service before becoming eligible to use vacation leave, typically aligned with the calendar year.

    Can employees take all their vacation days at once in Argentina?

    Yes. By law, vacation must be granted in one continuous period unless otherwise agreed. Employers cannot split vacation into multiple periods without employee consent.

    Are vacation days paid in Argentina?

    Yes. Employees receive their regular salary during vacation. The payment must be made in advance, typically before the start of the leave period.

    Are vacation days accrued during sick or maternity leave in Argentina?

    Yes. Employees continue to accrue vacation entitlements during legally protected periods such as illness, maternity, or injury leave under Argentine law.

    Can employers in Argentina choose when employees take vacation?

    Yes. Employers have the right to assign vacation dates, but they must notify employees at least 45 days in advance. Scheduling is typically based on operational needs.

    Is it legal to pay employees instead of giving vacation in Argentina?

    No. Vacation must be taken as time off and cannot be replaced by cash payment unless the employment relationship ends and unused vacation must be settled.

    Should vacation policies be written into contracts in Argentina?

    Yes. While statutory leave applies by default, it is highly recommended to detail vacation entitlements and procedures in employment contracts to avoid disputes.

    Can companies in Argentina offer more vacation than the law requires?

    Yes. Many employers provide additional vacation days through collective bargaining agreements, corporate policies, or tenure-based benefits to enhance retention.

    Are vacation days tracked from the hire date or calendar year in Argentina?

    Vacation is calculated on a calendar year basis. Employees become eligible for their full entitlement after completing 6 months of service within the same year.